3 Jaguars rookies under the most pressure in 2024 training camp

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 NFL Draft with eight picks but made nine selections after a series of trades. While they have a solid core of veterans, they'll need their rookie class to contribute right off the bat if they want to have a legitimate chance to recapture the AFC South.

Now, not all rookies will have an immediate impact, but the Jaguars will need the following three to step up in 2024. Having a strong training camp would most definitely be a step in the right direction.

Brian Thomas Jr. is under pressure ahead of Jaguars training camp in 2024

The 23rd overall pick, Brain Thomas Jr. will be tasked with replacing Calvin Ridley, who bolted for the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Even though Thomas wasn't as highly touted as former teammate Malik Nabers, who went to the New York Giants at No. 5, he also displayed the ability to take over games at LSU. It's also worth noting that the Louisiana native scored a touchdown in 4.1 percent of his team attempts. That was the highest percentage among wide receiver prospects in this past draft.

In Jacksonville, Thomas will join a receiver core that includes Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Devin Duvernay. Being part of such a group well-rounded group will take some pressure off the rookie but he'll need to make plays early on if the Jaguars offense wants to fire on all cylinders next season.

Working in his favor is that Thomas must do a better job of communicating with coaches and teammates. But other than that, his transition into the pros has gone smoothly. He'll next need to make sure that he doesn't run into any speed bumps in training camp.

Jarrian Jones Jr. is under pressure ahead of Jaguars training camp in 2024

Cornerback was arguably one of the biggest needs for the Jaguars ahead of the draft after releasing Darious Williams in the offseason. Sure, they signed Ronald Darby in free agency but they still needed reinforcements, that's why it was puzzling to see them prioritize other position groups.

No cornerback had been taken when Jacksonville was on the clock at No. 17. They could've drafted anyone they wanted but instead opted to move down six spots and select Brian Thomas Jr. Later at No. 42, they chose defensive tackle Maason Smith. It wasn't until the third round that they selected Jarrian Jones with pick No. 96. Looking back, waiting might've been the best course of action.

Jones wasn't a top cornerback prospect but that didn't hurt his confidence. He showed up to offseason activities and wasted no time making plays and showcasing his athletic abilities. So far, the coaching staff is pleased with his development.

Working against Jones, Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby are ahead of him on the depth chart. The former is coming off an injury-marred season but was one of the top 10 cornerbacks in the league as recently as 2022. The latter also missed time the past two years but has also played at a high level. Then again, this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Jones will be able to hone his craft behind Campbell and Darby. That said, he'll need to prove that he's ready to go in case either one misses time. Based on their injury history, that may be sooner rather than later.

Cam Little is under pressure ahead of Jaguars training camp in 2024

Expectations surrounding late-round picks and undrafted free agents are usually low. However, Cam Little will have have the dounting task of bringing stability at the kicker position, something the Jaguars have struggled with the last three years.

Back in 2021, injuries hampered the once-reliable Josh Lambo. This in turn affected his confidence. Jacksonville moved on from him and brought in Matthew Wright to take his place, but he was a short-gap solution. The team's brass gave him his walking papers the following year but couldn't find a viable replacement at kicker.

The Jags went through Ryan Santoso, Andre Mevis, and even Elliott Fry before claiming Riley Patterson off waivers before the start of the 2022 season. All things considered, the former Memphis Tiger fared well, even when you take his midseason funk into account.

Patterson bounced back and even nailed the game-winning field goal against the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 playoffs. However, the Jags replaced him with Brandon McManus last year because he lacked the leg strength for long field goals and kickoffs. Unfortunately, McManus wasn't the upgrade Jacksonville expected and was let go in March.

The Jaguars tried to sign Wil Lutz in free agency but he stayed with the Denver Broncos. They also brought back Patterson in the offseason but it's fair to say that they weren't particularly high on him. Otherwise, they wouldn't have traded him or attempted to ink Lutz. That's why they used a sixth-round pick on Cam Little.

Little's completion rate in field goals of 82.8 percent was a school record at Arkansas. He also kicked seven field goals from 50 yards out or more, so he's got what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Back in offseason activities, he showed off his strength but he'll need to build momentum in training camp if he wants to seize the kicker job.

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